IAN LONG believes the return of veteran striker Karl Edwards to Lye Meadow will add another match-winning element to Alvechurch’s pursuit of the title.
Edwards was a major figure last term as the Churchmen finished Midland League Premier Division runners-up before moving to Walsall Wood last summer.
Long is delighted to welcome the goal-getter back to Lye Meadow as they look to maintain top spot.
Long is convinced the race for the championship will continue until the very last weekend of the season, with the Churchmen one of five teams he believes can become champions.
And he believes Edwards, who helped Long’s Tividale team win the Midland Alliance, will be a vital presence on and off the pitch.
“Karl proved last season he can score the goals to win games and that’s what we need to do,” said Long.
“It’s not just Karl’s presence on the pitch, he is good in the dressing room. When you see Karl Edwards in the squad and you know he scores important goals it will give other players belief.”
Whether Edwards features on Saturday when Alvechurch visit AFC Wulfrunians will depend on a fitness check after an injury absence in recent weeks.
But the biggest worry for table-topping Alvechurch will be the fitness of top scorer Josh March. The hot-shot, with 27 goals this season, strained his hamstring in Saturday’s 2-2 draw at Heanor Town.
It was only the second time in 19 league matches that Long’s men have dropped points but it could be a vital point gained after goals from Danny Dubidat and Ryan Edmunds (penalty) hauled Alvechurch level from a 2-0 deficit.
Long says March has undergone daily treatment with physio Paul Millward and, while March says he will be fit to face Wulfs, his manager has to take the longer view. Aggravating the injury could mean a lengthy absence at a critical period.
“Josh thinks he will be fit – he wants to be top scorer this season,” said Long. “But he could miss one game and still have games to finish top scorer. If he plays on Saturday and damages his hamstring he could be out for weeks. We need to be sensible.
“It was worrying when he was injured on Saturday but the pleasing thing is how the substitutes had a big influence on the game. Connor Deards replaced Josh and made a difference and so did Ryan Winwood and Jack Cresswell. It proves the strength in depth in the squad.”
Alvechurch, though, seem likely to lose Jamie Spencer after Stratford Town made a move for the former Redditch United and Kidderminster Harriers striker.
Midfielder Dave Bellis (gashed shin) and defender Mark Smith (back) both missed the game at Heanor but are expected to be available this weekend.
After the trip to Wulfs, Alvechurch will now entertain Westfields in the Polymac Packaging League Cup on Tuesday. The second round game was postponed on Tuesday due to a waterlogged pitch.
